Written by Dave Graff. The SMHA Perth Auto Dismantler Major Atom reps participated in the annual Preston International hockey tournament on the weekend and went undefeated in pool play before losing 2-0 in the semi-finals to the eventual champion Grimsby Peach Kings.
The Warriors created several chances in the semi-final game but some tough bounces and several great saves by the Peach King netminder prevented the losing side from hitting the scoresheet. Zach Carman and Zach Freeland did great work around the opponent’s net consistently but with no success while Colten Cowen was denied on a breakaway and several other scoring chances.
The Warriors had two wins and a tie during pool play including a 3-1 win over Grimsby. In that game after Grimsby had tied the game at one, Brody Jeffrey went end to end down the left wing and after his shot was stopped Erik Smith buried the rebound for the game winner. Caleb Musselman had opened the scoring while Carman added an empty netter to seal the deal. Musselman added an assist for the winners as did Jack Whitehead while Nolan Traynor was very sharp in goal to help preserve the win.
To open the tournament the Warriors struggled to a 2-2 tie against the Toronto Aces. After falling behind 2-0 early Braydon Tinning and Cowen scored to even things up and get the Warriors the point. Owen Duiker, Caleb Musselman and Carter Musselman added assists.
In their other round robin game the Warriors put forth an excellent effort in beating Innisfil 5-2. After seeing a 3-0 lead turn into 3-2 some great work in the defensive end by Spencer Eidt and Nathan Graff sprung Caleb Musselman who than fed a nice pass to Carman who made no mistake in restoring the two goal lead. Caleb Musselman added an empty netter for his fourth goal of the game. Whitehead, Carter Musselman, Cowen and goalie Tallyn Soper had assists in the win.